Best Practices For Cybersecurity

Tips for Protecting Your Data and Systems from Cyber Threats

Today, we’re joined by Lilian, a security analyst here at Liberty IT, to discuss best practices for protecting your data and systems from cyber threats.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Lilian, let's start with the basics. What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is about protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These attacks usually aim to access, change, or destroy sensitive information, extorting money from users, or interrupting normal business processes. Effective cybersecurity measures are essential to guard against these threats and ensure the safety of personal and business data.

Steps To Prevent Getting Scammed

We often hear about people who have been scammed and lost a lot of money. What steps can we as individuals take to protect ourselves against cyber threats?

There are several crucial steps individuals can take. For example, if you receive a call from a bank, insurer, or store and you're in doubt about its authenticity, hang up and contact them directly using official contact information. It’s also important to always use registered banking apps and authenticated websites to manage your finances and personal information. Emails are also used to scam people, just delete suspicious emails immediately and never click on links in emails that land in your junk or spam folder. Other measures we can all take are to use strong unique passwords for our online accounts and to keep our software, apps and operating systems up to date. 

Steps Businesses Can Take To Prevent Getting Hacked

Those are great tips for individuals. What about business owners? What steps should they take to protect their businesses from cyber threats?

Business owners need to implement robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard their operations. It’s important to regularly train employees on cybersecurity best practices, including recognising phishing attempts and using strong passwords. Also, encrypt sensitive data to protect it from unauthorised access and install and maintain firewalls and anti-virus software to defend against malware and other threats. Performing regular backups of critical data and implementing strict access controls to ensure that only authorised personnel can access sensitive information are also great steps business owners can take.

Learning About Cybersecurity

If anyone was interested in learning more about cybersecurity or how to stay safe online, what would you recommend? Are there free resources available?

Absolutely! There are many free courses and resources available online that loook to teach people about cybersecurity fundamentals and about how best to protect themselves and their devices against cyber-attacks and scams.

Thank you, Lilian. This has been incredibly informative. Do you have any final tips?

Yes, stay informed and proactive, as cyber threats are constantly evolving, and scammers always look for new ways to get us. And remember, when in doubt, always err on the side of caution.

Interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity with Liberty IT? Keep an eye on our career and student pages, as we often offer opportunities in cybersecurity.